Additional family members include Walt Kivisto of Streator, Ill., brother to Wally Kivisto; Daryl and Chris Mathews of St. Cloud, Minn., brother to Wally Kivisto.

Regina was born and raised in Aurora. She graduated from West Aurora High School in 1960. She worked for Western Electric/Lucent Technologies/AT&T for 32 years. She had a passion for cooking, and when she retired from AT&T, she wanted to start her own catering business.

A diagnosis with breast cancer put this dream out of reach. Regina enjoyed making birthday dinners for family and friends; in addition, making sure everyone close to her had a birthday cake or dessert. This included neighbors, coworkers and restaurant employees, who she enjoyed so much, the dialysis center patients and employees, and even gas station attendants. She always went out of her way to make people feel happy and loved.

Regina also loved to travel. Regina and Wally went on a total of nine cruises, traveling the Artic Circle in 1996, California, Florida and trips to Minnesota. She enjoyed fishing in Galesburg, Ill., with family and would never give up; sometimes from sunrise to sunset without ever a bite.

Regina also loved gardening. She had a huge garden in her back yard and would sometimes plant over 20 tomato plants. These fresh vegetables and herbs would be used in her cooking. Always fresh herbs, never store bought.

Regina was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and mother-in law. Regina made friends whereever she went, and her smile encouraged you to be a better person. Once you met Regina, you would never forget her.

A memorial service and celebration for Regina will be held Friday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 8 p.m., with a small service to be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at the Orchard Community Church, 101 Barnes Road, Aurora, Ill., 60506.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aurora Dialysis Center of Aurora ( in memory of Regina Kivisto), 455 Mercy Lane, Aurora, Ill., 60506, payable to Aurora Dialysis.